MANILA -- Local carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) announced the purchase of new generation aircraft, to expand and upgrade its existing fleet, replacing old aircraft with more cost-effective and longer-range variants.
At the 2019 Paris Air Show currently being held in Le Bourget, France, CEB announced it has ordered 16 A330neo and 15 A320neo from Airbus. Ordering these units is part of the carrier's plan to introduce more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly aircraft to replace its current fleet.
Delivery of the new aircraft is expected between 2021 and 2026, according to CEB.
In an announcement, CEB said the A330neo "will replace the A330ceo, which will be progressively retired". CEB added that the A330neo is more efficient, as it provides up to 7,200 nautical miles with as much as 12 percent less fuel burn per trip.
"The A330neo will give us the lowest cost per seat and allow us to continue offering the lowest fares. Moreover, the lower fuel burn matched with higher seat density will allow CEB to address growing demand for leisure and business travel, by upgrading aircraft and maximizing available airport slots in Manila and other megacities we serve," said CEB president Lance Gokongwei in the announcement.
Meantime, another local carrier has expressed interest in Airbus' latest iteration of the reliable A330 series airliner. AirAsia Philippines chief executive officer Dexter Comendador told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) the low-cost carrier might purchase this model soon, when the country's aviation infrastructure, airports and terminal slots can adequately support their planned fleet expansion. (PNA)
